looking for feedback on Z68 mid-level build

[PhilipMarlowe]

Hi all,

I've been waiting for the release of the new Z68 motherboards to put together a new rig, and here's what I have in mind. This is going to be a mid-level rig that initially will be used for blu-ray/dvd playback with my HDTV, some video and music transcoding, occasional photo editing, and as a music server through my squeezebox. No gaming, so just IGP for now, although I may add a $250 graphics card around Christmas. Also no overclocking for now. That may change in the future, in which case I would probably upgrade to an aftermarket CPU cooler and maybe some quieter case fans. I also see an SSD in my future, maybe next year.

CPU: Core i7-2600k $314.99

Motherboard: MSI Z68MA-ED55 (B3) micro-ATX $159.99

Memory: Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model PGD38G1600ELK $84.99

HD: Western Digital Caviar Green WD20EARS 2TB 64MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive $79.99

Blu-ray: Samsung SH-B123L/RSBP $74.99

Case: Corsair Graphite Series 600T $159.99

PS: SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply $99.99

Wireless Adapter: Linksys AE1000-RM USB $18.99

CPU and MOBO combo savings: $20
Case and HD combo savings: $10
Memory mail-in rebate: $15
Case mail in rebate $25

Grand Total: $923.92 (not including display, kb/mouse and OS)

These components are certainly overkill for my needs, but I don't care, I want a nice, really fast computer. Look good to all? Am I being too cheap on the memory given the rest of what's in the machine? Also, are there any issues with a micro ATX board in a midtower case? I figure if anything, it will make my life even easier. Between the small mobo, modular PS, and grommet-filled case, I should have a very easy assembly in front of me. But if I've missed or messed something here, please chime in. Thanks so much.

[glc]

I do not recommend MSI motherboards. The Asus Z68's aren't really out yet, if you MUST buy now, I'd prefer a Gigabyte.

I'd stick with Corsair, Crucial, Kingston, or A-Data ram.

I'd recommend a small SATA 6.0 hard drive or a SSD for your OS and programs. That EARS drive is fine for your files.